Bonnie By The Sea Unit #710

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Travel To Myrtle Beach To Visit Ripley's Aquarium

Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is an interesting place to visit to view area sea creatures and habitats. Located at the edge of Broadway at the Beach, exhibits and programs in the aquarium will teach you and your children about various aspects of sea life. Many sea creatures are on display, including sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and other exotic fish species. There is also a unique "Titanic" display for your enjoyment. For more information, contact Ripley's Aquarium at (843) 916-0888.

Ride the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry

The Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry terminal is located in Southport and takes you on a 30-minute ferry ride that ends south of Kure Beach, at Fort Fisher. This ferry ride crosses the Cape Fear River and will allow you see a variety of area history and nature attractions along the way. These attractions include the historic Price's Creek Lighthouse, The Rocks, Zeke's Island, and Federal Point. The ferry ride is $1.00 for pedestrians, $2.00 for bicycles, $3.00 for motorcycles, $5.00 for vehicles 20 feet or less, $10.00 for vehicles 20 to 40 feet, and $15.00 for vehicles 40 to 65 feet. You may want to call ahead to find out about the current ferry schedule so you can plan your trip schedule as needed. For more information, contact the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry at (910) 457-6942.

Take an Art Class from the Associated Artists of Southport

The Associated Artists of Southport is a non-profit organization that is housed in the Franklin Square Gallery. The group educates and promotes original art within the community, and offers various workshops and competitions held throughout the year. Drawing and painting classes are held on Monday through Friday, and pottery classes are also held in the facility. Classes and other activities for children are also offered. For more information, contact the Associated Artists of Southport at (910) 278-5562.

Join an Adult Soccer League

If you enjoy competitive sports and getting lots of exercise, you may enjoy participating in the adult soccer league of Oak Island. The Oak Island Recreation Department offers adults the opportunity to play in this soccer league, which is open to both men and women. Throughout the league season, ten matches are played, and the season ends with a single-elimination tournament. The location of the games is the Oak Island Soccer Field at Middleton Park. For more information, contact the Oak Island Recreation Department at (910) 278-4747.

Go Kayaking or Canoeing on the Cape Fear River

Though the Cape Fear River areas aren't recommended for beginners because of high boat traffic and dangerous currents, the more advanced kayak and canoe paddlers enjoy the Cape Fear River waters each year. The Town of Oak Island has dedicated about 24 miles of canoe water trails in the Cape Fear River, which offer various challenges and adventures for the paddlers. This trail system is known as the Long Beach Canoe Trail System, and the four trails are the 4.2-mile Lockwood Folly trail, the 7-mile Montgomery Slough trail, the 6.5-mile Howells Point trail, and the 6-mile Davis Creek trail. Some of the waters are calm and protected, while others are rough and exposed, but all areas offer a variety of scenic opportunities. For more information, contact the Oak Island Recreation Department at (910) 278-5518.

Learn about the Stars at Ingram Planetarium

The Ingram Planetarium, located in Sunset Beach, has a unique 40-foot dome theater and offers a variety of programs throughout the year. Programs include Ancient Horizons, Endless Horizon, The Sky Tonight, Search for Life in the Universe, and more. In the summer, hourly programs are held Tuesday through Saturday between 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. During the rest of the year (during fall, winter and spring), hourly program are held Thursday through Saturday between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. Also in the Planetarium is a Science Room with a variety of science, math, and navigational exhibits. For more information about the programs offered throughout the year, contact Ingram Planetarium at (910) 575-0033.

Enjoy the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival

If you are in Brunswick County during the 4th of July holiday, you will enjoy the North Carolina 4th of July Festival in Southport and Oak Island. This celebration attracts about 500,000 visitors each year because of this old-fashioned family celebration. There is a parade featuring a variety of floats, bands, clowns and horses. There are firemen's games that are enjoyed by many, as well as vendors selling arts, crafts and food. There is also a naturalization ceremony that names people of various nationalities as citizens of the United States. To finish the holiday, you will enjoy the fireworks display over the water. For more information, contact the North Carolina 4th of July Festival at (910) 457-5578.

Stroll Through the Dot Kelly Memorial Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden

As part of the series of Environmental Overlook Trails on Oak Island, the Dot Kelly Memorial Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden is located on the trail behind the Oak Island Recreation Center. On the path, there are several elevated platforms that will allow you view the variety of trees and flowers that attract both butterflies and hummingbirds to the area. You will enjoy viewing these species while you travel this path, and you may want to bring your camera! For more information about the Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden, call (910) 278-5518.

Visit the Oak Island Parks and Recreation Department Nature Center

The Oak Island Parks and Recreation Department is very active in promoting area recreation and wildlife, and this is displayed in their Nature Center. Admission is free to this great center, which offers a variety of live animals on display. Also available at the Nature Center is a talking tree trail, an interpretive trail, a walkway and picnic area and restrooms. If you enjoy nature, you won't want to miss a stop at the Oak Island Parks and Recreation Department Nature Center, which can be reached at (910) 278-5518.

Go Horseback Riding

While you are visiting the Brunswick County area, you and your family may want to give an afternoon of horseback riding a try. Horseback riding can be a fun way to view a portion of the area from a whole new perspective! In Holden Beach, K&K Stables consists of 18 acres with shady trails. They offer Western-style riding lessons and guided trail rides. For more information, contact K&K Stables at (910) 842-8002. In Calabash, Peachtree Equestrian Center is located on 127 acres, with 70 acres of shaded trails. Trail rides, outdoor riding rings and an indoor riding arena give you a variety of options for your riding experience. Lessons are also available in both English and Western riding styles. For more information, contact Peachtree Equestrian Center at (910) 287-4790.